Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto

The ALS mission statement is to strengthen the capacity of the Aboriginal community and its citizens to deals with justice issues and provide Aboriginal controlled and culturally based justice alternatives.

Aboriginal Court Worker Program -- support to those appearing in court * assistance in finding lawyers and contacting family members * referrals * available at all criminal courts in Toronto

Community Council Program -- criminal diversion program for young and adult Aboriginal offenders charged with a wide variety of offences * substitutes court appearance with an appearance before community members, with a disposition focusing on culture, tradition and healing

Gladue (Aboriginal Persons) Courts -- support available at Old City Hall, College Park and 1000 Finch Ave W courts

Giiwedin Anang Council -- Aboriginal alternative dispute resolution for families involved in the child welfare system * family counselling delivered by community Elders and members focus on traditional teachings and Talking Circles

Abuse and family violence can take the form of physical, psychological, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse. Abuse happens in all kinds of families, including people of all income levels, ethnocultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations.

There are laws about hours of work, minimum wage, vacation pay, holiday pay, time off work, health and safety in the workplace, and what a worker can do if they are fired or treated so badly that they are forced to quit.

Family law covers legal issues related to the formation and breakdown of families, including marriage and common-law relationships, birth and adoption, separation and divorce, child custody and access, child support, spousal support, division of property, and child protection.

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out the law related to rent increases, evictions, repairs, and other issues that affect tenants. The RTA applies to most rental housing, although there are some living arrangements and rental situations it does not apply to.

Wills, estates, trusts and power of attorney are common tools used in estate planning: the transfer of a person's assets (e.g. property, money) when they die, and other personal matters including guardianship of dependent children.